Editorial: The Governor’s Courage Award is a Great Tradition

In this short editorial, the Dispatch highlights the recipients of this year’s Governor’s Courage Award:

When Gov. John Kasich initiated the Governor’s Courage Award during last year’s State of the State speech, he called attention to the brave and selfless acts of ordinary Ohioans — and some famous ones, too. Thankfully, the tradition continued this year with a new batch of honored heroes.

Recognized during this year’s speech on Tuesday in Lima was astronaut Neil Armstrong, who became the first man to step on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission on July 21, 1969. The gentle-mannered engineer passed away in August; accepting the Courage Award on his behalf were sons Rick and Mark Armstrong.

Also getting one of the silver-and-gold medals was Sondra Williams, an author and advocate for those with autism; she’d been misdiagnosed and even institutionalized for several years.

And Kasich no doubt made more than few eyes tear up when he honored the faculty and staff of Chardon High School, whose bravery and sacrifice saved the lives of many students after a boy opened fire at the school on Feb. 27. He killed three and injured three others.

Every one of these recipients, through their selfless actions, has furthered understanding and improved or saved lives. Their example inspires and demonstrates the Ohio spirit. Congratulations to recipients and their families.